Everything to Know about the Germany Spouse Visa 2024: The Application Guide and 8 Pro Tips
Germany remains as one of the prime choices for people who want to work, study or join their families. You can be allowed to apply for a spouse visa to come and join your spouse in Germany if you are married to a German citizen or a legal resident in Germany. The spouse visa in Germany permits spouses of foreign residents to reside in Germany and also gives the individual some privileges which are for example the right to work. In this guide, you will learn all you need to know about the spouse visa to Germany; including the requirements, how to apply, and essential things that will enable you get the visa in 2024.
- Germany Spouse Visa
Germany Spouse Visa is an immigration visa available to those individuals who wish to join their spouse in Germany, who is already exercising an employment right that allows him or her to perform work of a highly skilled nature.
The Germany spouse visa or the family reunion visa or the marriage visa as is also commonly referred enables the spouse of the German citizen or a Germany resident to enter the country. Non-EEA workers with this visa are allowed to work in Germany even though they are allowed to work in their home country if they have a valid residence permit, they are married, either EEA citizens living in Germany or have a valid permit to work in the country. In general, the spouse visa gives the holder a legal permission to reside in Germany, work or even study, and even become a permanent resident in future.
- The general requirements of spouse visa of Germany are as follows;
It is important then to know that before you apply for a Germany spouse visa there are requirements that are always met. These include:
- Valid Marriage: You have to be legally married with the spouse. The marriage must be recognized by the German law. It also includes civil partnerships in case of the same sex couples.
- Residence Status of Spouse: Your spouse has to be either: A German citizen, or EU/EEA citizen living in Germany, or an alien with a valid residence permit who is a third country national not entitled to take advantage of the provisions on the right of free movement within the EU/EEA*.
- Basic German Language Proficiency (A1 Level): You are expected to have at least some knowledge of the German language that includes being familiar with A1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Certain categories are exempt, including you if your spouse is from the European Union or the European Economic Area or if you are an economic necessary person.
- Financial Stability: Your spouse has to prove that he or she can maintain himself/herself and you without requiring any state support. Other relevant documents which may be asked include; proof of income, employment contracts or bank statements among others.
- Adequate Accommodation: You can’t rent a place where there is not enough living space not only for you but also for your spouse in Germany.
- Documents needed in applying for a spouse visa in Germany
To apply for a Germany spouse visa, you’ll need to gather the following documents: To apply for a Germany spouse visa, you’ll need to gather the following documents:
- Completed Visa Application Form: They can be accessed on the official website of the German embassy or consulate to the respective countries.
- Valid Passport: Acceptability that can be minimally two blanks and time that is inapplicable to the period of your stay.
- Marriage Certificate: Translated into German when not already in German, according to the treaty’s official translation.
- Proof of Residence in Germany: An attested rental contract or registration Certificate from the address of your spouse.
- Proof of Financial Stability: Latest three Months Pay slips, Employment contract and latest three Months bank statements of the spouse who is employed in Germany.
- Health Insurance Coverage: You should have enough medical insurance during your stay in Germany.
- Proof of German Language Proficiency: Copy of a Prove of German language proficiency at least A1 level, if possible;
- Passport Photos: MEETING Biometric Standards set by the German Authorities.
- Procedures of Entering Germany as a Spouse Visa
The process for obtaining a Germany spouse visa typically involves the following steps: The process for obtaining a Germany spouse visa typically involves the following steps:
- Prepare Your Documents: Ensure that you have assembled all the necessary document which is stated above. See that these are also signed and translated when required appropriately.
- Schedule a Visa Appointment: They should therefore contact the German embassy or consulate in their country of origin to fix an appointment. Some of the consulates may allow the appointment to be booked online.
- Attend the Visa Interview: Go for the appointment you were given with all the necessary documents you were asked to bring. You should be ready to discuss with them information about your marriage status, your husband/wife ‘s status in Germany and why you would like to join him/her.
- Pay the Visa Fee: The fee to be paid is approximately €75 in case of spouse visa application. Transaction methods are not the same for all the embassies or consulates.
- Wait for Processing: The processing of visas may take anything between several weeks and a few months. The time it takes could vary from the time taken by the embassy or consulate to the time taken, or the verification process.
- Receive Visa Decision: As soon as the processing is over, the applicant for the visa will be informed about a decision that has been made. In case all these are approved, you will receive an entry visa to Germany.
- After Arriving in Germany
Upon arriving in Germany with your spouse visa, there are additional steps to complete: Upon arriving in Germany with your spouse visa, there are additional steps to complete:
- Register at the Local Registration Office (Bürgeramt): Tend to your residence registration within the first two weeks of arrival to the country.
- Apply for a Residence Permit: Foreigners have to apply for the residence permit at the local foreign desk (Ausländerbehörte). Your passport, visa, marriage certificate, a health insurance document and documents to prove your income will be required.
- Extend Your Visa or Apply for Permanent Residency: The first residence permit is usually granted for up to one-year period and may be renewed. You can extend it and in the period of three years, you may apply for a permanent residence provided that certain conditions have been met.
- What to Do when planning to make an Application for a Spouse Visa
- Start Early: One should start collecting documents and start learning German as soon as possible to make it as less stressful as possible.
- Ensure Document Accuracy: Make sure that all the documents are properly completed, translated and if it is required by the legal system used in the countries then make sure that the documents are legalized.
- Prepare for the Interview: Expect some questions that are personal to you and your spouse.
- Keep Copies of All Documents: Keep original copies of your application and other documents in your possession all the time.
- Consult an Immigration Lawyer: If you have any difficulties or if your case is complicated it is wise to seek the services of a lawyer who specializes in German immigration law.
- Some of the problems faced are as follows and how best they can be addressed;
- Language Barrier: Failure to satisfy the A1 language requirement could cause a delay of your application. As pointed out before, this is advisable if you are to take German language classes at school.
- Insufficient Financial Proof: Make sure that your spouse earns money that are above the set standard. If not, consider obtaining more funding or possibly looking for work to help supplement student’s education.
- Long Processing Times: Remember that there will be always some time delays. They should be submitted well in advance prior to the date on which they are required and the applicant can also monitor the status of his or her visa application through the nearest embassy or consulate.
- Conclusion
Germany spouse visa can therefore be said to involve several procedures and these can take as long as possible to complete depending on the applicant’s preparedness and understanding of the procedures. By following the guidelines and the tips outlined in this guide, one will enhance their probability of a successful application we can, therefore, look forward to commencing a new chapter of life in Germany with the spouse.
It is recommended to use only official German embassy or consulate’s web-page in the applicant’s country for the most relevant and fresh data before applying. Good luck!